Seed multiplication

Seed multiplication involves reproducing seeds to increase their commercially available quantities. This technical process is regulated to ensure quality and varietal purity.

Seed and plant production is carried out under a production contract established between a farmer and a seed company. This contract is based on a standard propagation agreement and technical regulations to meet marketing standards.

By clearly describing the minimum rights and obligations of each party to the contract, the standard multiplication agreement helps to create a climate of trust and allows production to be positioned in a secure framework, thus providing the conditions for implementing the production of quality seeds and plants. The contract also includes specific provisions negotiated between the two parties, particularly regarding the terms of remuneration.

Seed multiplication requires strict rules to ensure purity and maximize the quality of harvested seeds. The choice of plots is important: it is necessary to carry out crop rotations and respect isolation distances with other crops to prevent pollen from another variety or a neighbouring species from arriving on the plots and crossing with the mother plants. Manual weeding is also carried out to remove plants that do not meet the characteristics of the variety. Finally, crops are monitored regularly to implement the necessary measures to eliminate weeds or control pests (diseases, insects, etc.). Inspections at certain key stages are required by regulations to verify sanitary quality and varietal purity. These elements are essential to ensure the quantities and quality of seeds produced.

Thanks to their expertise and their distribution throughout France, French farmers who multiply seeds play a major role in maintaining France's position as the European leader in seed production. 48% of seed-producing farmers produce seeds every year. They collectively manage 150,000 seed-producing contracts per year, contract individually with an average of 1 to 2 seed producers (up to a maximum of 7) and devote an average of 26 hectares of their land to seed production.

The context of climate change and the reduction of crop protection solutions requires a change in cultivation practices. Numerous joint projects are in progress to identify alternative crop protection solutions and decision-making tools to manage inputs or water levels as closely as possible to needs. Seed companies are also working on adapting plants with production cycles that allow them to avoid harsh climatic conditions or to be more resistant to pests and diseases.